with a fabulous coastline, hemmed with some of the world's most enviable beaches, there are ample opportunities to flash a pair of flip-flops or sandals, in rio de janeiro - fitting in with the beach-going lifestyle of rio, are the internationally famous havaianas sandals, which is one of the most preferred choice in footwear in the whole city.

bursting onto the brazilian scene in 1962, havaianas were inspired by traditional japanese sandals made of fabric straps and rice straw soles, known as zori - instead, they were made with rubber, and designed for comfort and durability. 

growing in success after various marketing campaigns, including the slogan não deforma, não tem cheiro e não solta as tiras, which means they don't lose their shape, don't smell and the straps don't get loose - with the addition of the brazilian flag on the strap, the open-toe footwear began to spread all over the world, and are now found in over 60 countries.